BYU’s Takitaki Ready For One Last Hoorah

BOISE, Idaho – It’s been a bittersweet week for BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki.

It’s been sweet in the fact that he and his teammates have been having a great time celebrating and enjoying their bid to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl with all kinds of festivities and activities. They’ve been sledding, giving service and just hanging out together.

The bitterness has come with the realization that Friday’s contest against Western Michigan will be the last time he’ll suit up and play alongside his teammates in a BYU uniform. The stadium crew at LaVell Edwards Stadium has played “Taki Taki” by DJ Snake for the final time.

“Looking back, even today I’m a little emotional,” Takitaki said at a press conference Thursday afternoon. “I’m like ‘man, this is my last practice with all my brothers that I’ve gotten to know’ and even in the past, you just think back on all the time like ‘man, that came by fast.’”

Congrats to @STakitaki on accepting an invite to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl!!#BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/PzN2aqaLPm

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 28, 2018

It can be argued that Takitaki has been the most impactful player for the Cougars this season. He leads the team in tackles with 99 combined takedowns. He also has eight tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble on the season.

For his efforts, he was named to the 2018 Phil Steele first-team All-Independent team on Thursday.

Congrats to Sione Takitaki, Corbin Kaufusi, Matt Bushman and Austin Hoyt on being named to the 2018 Phil Steele All-Independent First-Team!!#BYUFOOTBALL #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/eHpVtmYTlI

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 20, 2018

Sitting beside Takitaki and another senior, offensive lineman Austin Hoyt, in the press conference, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake shared the pride he has in all his players, especially his seniors.

Referring to both Takitaki and Hoyt, Sitake spoke on his excitement to see what’s next for them.

“I’ve been really proud of these guys and seeing them, when I first got here in this job and seeing the progress that they’ve made as men, they’re both married, and seeing them progress from being just a young adult to being an adult,” said Sitake. “I’m really fired up at what they’re going to do at the next level and not just football, I think they’ll both have a chance to play at the next level in the NFL, but more than anything, just seeing them graduate and progress in life.”

As for how he plans to finish off the week with his BYU teammates, Takitaki has simple plans.

“I’m definitely going to enjoy this one and try to get this win with my brothers and end it off right,” said Takitaki.